Jon Dietzen Commits to Wisconsin: What 4-Star OT Brings to Badgers

Wisconsin landed its fourth commitment of the 2015 recruiting cycle Sunday when top in-state offensive lineman Jon Dietzen pledged to the Badgers:

The 6'5", 330-pound tackle prospect capped off a process that always seemed to point toward Madison.

“I was planning on being a Badger for a while,” Dietzen told Andrew Pekarek of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Dietzen, a 4-star recruit, chose Wisconsin over a long list of collegiate suitors. Scholarship offers have arrived from Miami, Michigan State, Illinois, Nebraska and others.

The Seymour High School standout helped spearhead a rushing attack that produced 48 rushing touchdowns and 8.1 yards per carry in 2013. He earned all-state honors in the process.

Dietzen provides Wisconsin with a key reinforcement along an offensive line that has been overhauled under second-year head coach Gary Andersen. The Badgers signed six 2014 linemen in February, headlined by 4-star tackle and early enrollee Jaden Gault.

Wisconsin adds a big piece to its collection of young talent with the addition of Dietzen, who rates No. 31 nationally among offensive tackles in 247Sports' composite rankings. He is listed as state's No. 1 overall 2015 prospect.

Dietzen received an offer from the Badgers shortly after his sophomore season.

His range along the perimeter opens the door for Dietzen to line up at either tackle spot in college. Given his massive frame and quality footwork, there's also a possibility that he slides inside to provide stability at guard.

Dietzen is an aggressive run-blocker who bullies defenders off the snap with a devastating initial punch. He follows through with strong hand placement and a lower body that doesn't stop churning during the course of a play.

His aggression results in dominant displays downfield, as he disengages from his initial assignment to target linebackers at the second level. Dietzen plays through the whistle and will help Wisconsin set the tone as a power rushing team once he hits the field.

It remains to be seen how much refinement is required for his pass-blocking technique. His high school squad largely relies on its rushing attack, so early reps during a collegiate training camp should provide an indication of his development and help balance Dietzen's approach.

He is the first in-state commitment for Wisconsin during this cycle. Dietzen joins quarterback Austin Kafentzis (Utah), wide receiver Andrew James (Florida) and tight end Kyle Penniston (California) in a class that currently rates seventh among Big Ten Conference teams in 247Sports' composite rankings.